He is serious.The other son (Sam) wants at least a little money before losing any chances all together and his price is a smoking deal.

Improvements if there is a good chance to pay off.  

For example, if on a scale of 1-100 a bond is a 1, and angel investing in a risky start up (that has a 9/10 chance of failing, but if success you will 10X-100X your money) is a 99, the "risk adjusted return" is probably very similar.

If they have created a drainage system which dumps water onto your property there is a good chance you could get them to change that.

If you think it might hinder your chance of re-renting in your market, give it that fresh look compared to other rentals in the area.

I feel like every bank owned property that we are interested in gets sold without us getting a chance to look at it since seller's agents don't return our calls to show us the property, should we get a real estate agent who is familiar how to work the system?

You will get better rates and a better chance of financing.

Hey Bridget, I was there the other night but I didn't get a chance to meet you.  

Just wondering  if any BPers have had a chance to use it and if so what their experience has been. 

Chances are, at 93, you'll come out ahead